A Nigerian PhD student at the Missouri School of Journalism, Damilola Oduolowu, has earned a coveted Pulitzer Center grant to shed light on the rapid destruction of mangroves in Lagos State.

Oduolowu, who is conducting his research on digital journalism and its intersection with environmental and climate change reporting, said he sees journalism as a tool for driving societal transformation.

He explained that the grant would support his investigation into Lagos’ disappearing mangroves, a pressing environmental issue that had long been overlooked.

Highlighting the urgency of the problem, Oduolowu remarked, “Mangroves are one of the most vital marine ecosystems, and their destruction at an alarming rate in Lagos is a story that has been terribly underreported.”

During his planned return to Lagos from the United States to begin his fieldwork, Oduolowu will be visiting coastal communities to explore the root causes of mangrove depletion and the cascading effects on local populations.

He said researchers estimated that Lagos State had lost between 50% and 70% of its mangrove cover since the 1960s—a loss that threatens biodiversity, endangers livelihoods, and weakens natural defences against climate change.

Supported by the Pulitzer Center’s global initiative to tackle overlooked issues such as climate change, migration, and public health, Oduolowu said he aims to amplify the voices of affected communities, adding that his work would bring international attention to how human activities and climate change disproportionately impact vulnerable communities in Lagos, sparking discussions on sustainable solutions.

“The Pulitzer Center grant enables me to tell these untold stories and bring them to a global audience through partnerships with leading media platforms,” Oduolowu explained.

Before pursuing his PhD, Oduolowu spent a decade in multimedia journalism, including serving as a Senior Journalist with the BBC World Service. With expertise in television, radio, and digital media, his career has consistently focused on covering underreported stories to inspire change.

His latest work not only highlights the plight of Lagos’ mangroves but also underscores the role of journalism in advocating for environmental justice and sustainable development in Nigeria and beyond.